HC Deb 27 October 1976 vol 918 cc455-6
10 Mr. Costain

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the Chairman of the National Bus Company; and what proposals he has for further consultations.

Mr. William Rodgers

A month or so ago, and I expect to see him again shortly.

Mr. Costain

When the Secretary of State met the Chairman of the National Bus Company, did he draw attention to the relative positions in the 1974 and 1975 balance sheets. which show that the company owns fewer buses and has undertaken 137,000 fewer passenger journeys? Despite this, the company was clever enough to take on 847 more staff to do this. That is a crazy situation, and it is why bus fares are so high. It is also the reason for the concern felt by busmen about losing their jobs, because the overheads are so great.

Mr. Rodgers

The position is slightly more complicated than that. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the annual reports of the company—not just last year's report, but each year, taking one with another he will see that since 1969 the company's staff has been reduced by about 10,000. I have great confidence in the chairman of the company. He, like other chairmen, in both the private and public sectors, is facing difficult problems at the present time.

Mr. Cyril Smith

When the Minister met the chairman, did he discuss the increase in the number of muggings of bus drivers, especially in my part of the world? Also, did he discuss the possible remedies which he or the Home Secretary might suggest in order to deal with this problem?

Mr. Rodgers

The answer to the first part of the question is "No"; therefore, the second part is not applicable. However, I shall draw the attention of the chairman to the point made by the hon. Gentleman, which is of very great concern not only to all those in the bus service but to all Members of this House and all those who are concerned with the prevention of crime.

Mr. Fry

I congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment. When he does see the chairman, will he tell him that the Government have had the courage to reconsider the delicensing of certain public service vehicles so that operators can use minibuses to provide a better service in rural areas? At the moment, the National Bus Company is failing to meet public demand.

Mr. Rodgers

I would not think of speaking to any chairman in such a peremptory manner. I am ready to discuss with the chairman all the problems of the bus service, particularly the way in which the company can be ready to meet the needs of the rural areas as well as those of the towns.